Tuna, Yellowfin (Maguro) – Hawaii, Longline

Yellowfin Tuna grow quickly, produce millions of eggs per spawning, and live up to 9 years. They are found throughout the world’s tropical and sub-tropical oceans. Yellowfin Tuna are at a healthy abundance in the Western Pacific, but are depleted in the Eastern Pacific. However, fishing levels on Yellowfin Tuna in the Eastern Pacific are sustainable and should allow for its recovery.

Longlines result in large quantities of bycatch, including threatened or endangered species such as sea turtles, whales, and sharks. In the U.S. Hawaii fishery however, several management regulations are in place to reduce impacts on bycatch species.

When fishing for tuna, longlines do not typically contact bottom habitats. However, because these fisheries catch several top-predator species, there is some concern that these fisheries may affect ocean food webs and ecosystems.

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Fish Key:

Species has a combination of problems such as overfishing, high bycatch, and poor management.

Some problems exist with this species' status or catch methods, or information is insufficient for evaluating.

Species is relatively abundant, and fishing methods cause little damage to habitat and other wildlife.

A fishery targeting this species has been certified as sustainable and well managed to the Marine Stewardship Council's environmental standard. Learn more at http://www.msc.org.

These fish contain levels of mercury or PCBs that may pose a health risk to adults and children. Our source of information is http://seafood.edf.org/. We also recommend that you check local advisories.